KATHMANDU: Stay informed with Nepal News’ daily evening briefing, covering the most significant developments from Nepal and around the world. From politics and economy to sports, entertainment, and culture, we bring you a concise summary of the day’s top stories.

RSP and RPP Boycott House of Representatives Meeting

The Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP) and Rastriya Prajatantra Party (RPP) boycotted Wednesday’s House of Representatives meeting, demanding a special parliamentary or high-level judicial inquiry into the “visit visa” scandal. As soon as Speaker Devraj Ghimire opened the session, lawmakers from both parties stood up in protest. RSP’s Hari Dhakal took the floor, accusing the Commission for the Investigation of Abuse of Authority of being politicized and failing to investigate public issues. RPP’s Chief Whip, Gyan Bahadur Shahi, also spoke, demanding government action to facilitate the purchase of apples from Jumla. After their statements, the MPs walked out of the parliament hall.

Nepali Congress Expresses Concern Over China’s Stance on Lipulekh

The primary ruling party, the Nepali Congress, has expressed serious concern that China is attempting to evade its position on Nepal’s stance regarding India’s agreement to turn Lipulekh into a trade route. Speaking on behalf of the party during a special session of the House of Representatives on Wednesday, Nepali Congress Member of Parliament, Dilendra Prasad Badu, stated that the Chinese President gave an evasive response about Lipulekh. MP Badu said, “On this sensitive issue, the clear and evasive response given by the president of friendly nation China cannot be considered positive.”

UML Statute Convention Preparations Complete

The CPN-UML is poised to open its second Statute Convention in Godavari this Friday, with all preparations finalized for a gathering that will set the party’s ideological and structural course amid internal disagreements.  Over 2,300 representatives are expected to attend the three-day event, which will feature three reports aimed at refining the party’s vision and discipline.  Chairman KP Sharma Oli will present the political report, which outlines a roadmap toward “a Prosperous Nepal and Happy Nepalis” and proposes establishing “socialism with Nepali characteristics.”

Opposition Parties Demand PM Oli’s Clarification on GSI Support

Opposition parties have demanded that Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli address the Chinese claim that Nepal has agreed to the Global Security Initiative (GSI) proposal. They have urged the Prime Minister to provide a response directly in the parliament. Speaking at Wednesday’s House of Representatives meeting, CPN (Unified Socialist) MP Prakash Jwala stated that Nepal has not been and should not be involved in any military strategies of major powers. CPN (Maoist Centre) MP Lekhnath Dahal said that the entire parliament and country must stand together on foreign policy matters.

Teachers Stage Sit-in at RPP Office Over Dissatisfaction with School Education Bill

Teachers protesting against the School Education Bill staged a sit-in at the Rastriya Prajatantra Party (RPP) office in Dhumbarahi on Wednesday. The Nepal Teachers’ Federation (NTF) organized the protest, saying that the government has failed to fully implement past agreements reached with teachers. Although the bill contains several positive provisions, many key concerns of teachers and employees, as well as issues agreed upon earlier, have not yet been addressed, said NTF Chairperson Laxmi Kishor Subedi.

Prachanda Hints at Possible Leftist Unity Soon

Chairman of the CPN (Maoist Centre), Pushpa Kamal Dahal ‘Prachanda,’ has said that unity among leftist forces could take place soon.  Addressing the 7th National Conference of the All-Nepal Women’s Association (Revolutionary) at Nepal Academy on Wednesday, Prachanda expressed optimism about the possibility of leftist unity. “I want to say this here – discussions are ongoing for unity among different leftist and communist factions. Another convention may be held soon. It could be the 8th convention or a unity convention. I urge everyone to remain prepared for that,” he stated.

Final Day for Mandatory Registration of Social Media Platforms in Nepal

Today marks the final day for the mandatory registration of social media platforms, including Facebook, as directed by the government. On August 28, the government issued a public notice giving a seven-day deadline for all social media platforms currently operating in Nepal or planning to enter the market to register. The government has warned that social media platforms failing to register will be banned, based on a Cabinet decision. No company has approached the ministry for registration. “So far, no institution has contacted us for registration,” an official said.

SC Issues Order to Restrict Unlicensed Social Media and OTT Platforms

The Supreme Court has issued a mandamus order nearly five years after a writ petition was filed seeking a ban on advertisements and content broadcast through unlicensed social media platforms, OTT apps, and internet browsers.A joint bench of Justices Tek Prasad Dhungana and Shanti Singh Thapa on Monday heard three related writ petitions together and decided in favor of the petitioners. In December 2020, advocates B.P. Gautam and Anita Bajgain had filed writ petitions demanding restrictions on unrestricted broadcasts, including foreign advertisements, through social media platforms.

Student Organizations Submit Memorandum to UML on School Education Bill

A joint delegation of student organizations has submitted a memorandum to the ruling CPN-UML, urging stronger provisions in the School Education Bill to enhance school-level education. The student leaders reached the UML party office and handed over the memorandum to Chief Whip Mahesh Bartaula. They demanded that the party play a constructive role in strengthening school education through the bill. After receiving the memorandum, Bartaula assured them that the government is committed to strengthening school education and that the upcoming law would give special attention to this matter.

NEPSE Drops as Market Witnesses Decline

The Nepal Stock Exchange (NEPSE) index has dropped. On Wednesday, the fourth trading day of the week, the market index fell by 15.59 points to close at 2726.37. A total of Rs 4.72 billion worth of transactions took place in the market today. Out of the total companies traded, the share prices of 39 companies increased, while 213 companies saw a decline. A total of 11.345 million shares were bought and sold today. Among the companies that saw a rise, Himstar Hydro’s share price increased by 9.99%, with its final trade at Rs 323.60.

NRB Withdraws Rs 50 Billion from Market Today

Nepal Rastra Bank (NRB) withdrew Rs 50 billion today, Wednesday. The principal and interest on the withdrawn funds will be repaid on September 28. NRB stated that in the bidding process, amounts were divided into minimum Rs 100 million and maximum Rs 50 million, with any remainder included in the total call amount. Only licensed banks and financial institutions categorized as Class ‘A’, ‘B’, and ‘C’ are eligible to participate in the bidding process.

Government Sets Ambitious Goal for Electricity Production

The government has set an ambitious target of producing 28,500 megawatts (MW) of electricity by 2035. As per the Energy Development Roadmap, the government has set a target of producing this amount of electricity within the next 10 years. More than 84 hydropower projects of over 2,000 MW from the private sector are in the preparation phase with a Power Purchase Agreement (PPA). Additionally, PPAs have not yet been signed for more than 240 hydropower projects of 11,000 MW.

Food Technology and Quality Control Department Launches Online System

The Department of Food Technology and Quality Control has launched an online system named ‘Nepal Food and Feed Industry Licensing System (NeFILS)’ for the registration, issuance, and renewal of food industry licenses. This service is made available through the department’s website as part of its strategy to make government services more accessible online. In the inauguration ceremony held on Tuesday, the department’s Director-General, Sanjeev Kumar Karmacharya, inaugurated the system and shed light on its importance.

Number of Women Going Abroad for Foreign Employment on the Rise

The number of women going abroad for foreign employment is increasing every year. According to the Department of Foreign Employment, the number of women going for foreign employment has been on the rise since the fiscal year 2020/21 (mid-July 2020 to mid-July 2021). According to the department, 80,172 women in the fiscal year 2023/24 and 94,455 women in the fiscal year 2024/25 obtained work permits to go abroad for employment.

Production Announced for New Film ‘Zooba’

The production of the film ‘Zooba’ has been announced. Saugat Malla will star in the lead role of the film, which is presented by Astra Films. Sudan Pokharel will also be in the cast. Prakash Karna is the writer and director of the film, while Barsha Paudel is also a writer. Both director Karna and writer Barsha are the creative producers. Sofi Dharel will debut as the lead actress in the film. Saugat and Sophee will be seen as a couple. Along with the film’s announcement, three-character posters have also been released. The film is being produced by Rock Caster Studios.

Nepathya Concert in Portugal Unites Nepali Diaspora

Nepathya’s recent concert in Lisbon, Portugal, drew a larger-than-expected crowd of Nepali migrants, creating an emotionally charged atmosphere. According to organizers, many audience members were brought to tears as lead singer Amrit Gurung’s songs evoked memories of home and family. The concert, which was highly anticipated by the Nepali community across Europe, served as both entertainment and a source of inspiration for fans like Manish Rayamajhi, a tuk-tuk driver in Lisbon who said the band’s music inspired him to travel back home. Amrit Gurung performed hits spanning the band’s 33-year career.

Yahana Shrestha Crowned Miss Hostel Nepal-2025

Yahana Shrestha has won the title of Miss Hostel Nepal-2025. Yahana Shrestha, a student from Platinum Girls Hostel, Dillibazar, was declared the winner of the competition organized by Karaoke Entertainment Pvt. Ltd. in collaboration with the Hostel Entrepreneurs Association. Bandana Kharel, a student from Central Girls Hostel, Putalisadak, came in second, and Swornima Sapkota, a student from Shriya Girls Hostel, Buddhanagar, came in third. The first, second, and third place winners were awarded cash prizes of Rs. 100,000, Rs. 50,000, and Rs. 25,000, respectively, along with a crown, gift hampers, and scholarships from their hostels.

Teaser for Film ‘Prem Geeta’ Released

The teaser for the film ‘Prem Geeta,’ directed by Rajendra Basnet, has been released. The production team released the 1 minute and 11 seconds long teaser on Tuesday via OSR’s YouTube channel. The teaser features the film’s main actors, Janvi Basnet, Sajid Khan, and Sushil Pokharel, among others. The teaser suggests that the film will be a mix of love story, separation, and action. Based on a contemporary story, the teaser hints at some narrative mysteries. It is understood that the film may be exploring the theme of separation after love.

NRT Women’s Team Nears ANFA Women’s League Qualification

The New Road Team (NRT) is on the verge of qualifying for the ANFA Women’s League. In their fifth match at the Chyasal ground on Wednesday, NRT defeated Butwal Lumbini FC 2-0. Juna Tamang and Pratikchha Thakuri scored for NRT. Juna’s goal in the 66th minute gave NRT an early lead. Pratikchha then sealed the victory with another goal in the 84th minute. With this win, NRT, which is in Group ‘B’, has accumulated 12 points from 5 matches.

Dipendra Singh Airee’s ICC T20I All-Rounder Ranking Drops

Nepali national cricket team member, Dipendra Singh Airee, has dropped in the ICC T20I all-rounder rankings. In the new rankings released by the International Cricket Council (ICC) on Wednesday, Dipendra is now in third place, down from his previous second position. Afghanistan’s all-rounder, Mohammad Nabi, has moved up one spot to second place. India’s Hardik Pandya remains in the top spot. West Indies’ Roston Chase is in fourth place.

Church Boys United’s ANFA Women’s League Hopes Go Down to the Wire

In their debut tournament, Church Boys United will have to wait until the final match to qualify for the ANFA Women’s League. In their fifth match at the Chyasal ground on Wednesday, Rapti FC defeated Church Boys 2-1. Church Boys, who are in Group ‘A’, would have secured their place in the league with a win or a draw, but Rapti snatched away that opportunity. Manisha Sen scored one goal for Rapti, with the other being an own goal. Barsha Oli scored the only goal for Church Boys.

Putin and Kim Join Xi in Show of Strength as China Unveils New Weapons at Huge Military Parade

China’s President Xi Jinping unveils laser weapons, nuclear ballistic missiles and giant underwater drones at a massive military parade 80 years on from the country’s victory over Japan in World War Two. Russia’s Vladimir Putin and North Korea’s Kim Jong Un joined Xi, along with dozens of other heads of state – and only two Western leaders. Meeting on the sidelines, Kim tells Putin it’s North Korea’s “fraternal duty” to help Russia – the country has already sent weapons and troops to Ukraine. Meanwhile, Donald Trump, who was not at the parade, berated Xi on social media: “Please give my warmest regards to Vladimir Putin and Kim Jong Un as you conspire against the United States of America.”

25 Killed, Dozens Injured in Triple Bomb Blasts Across Pakistan

At least 25 people were killed and dozens injured in three brutal attacks across Pakistan on Tuesday, including a suicide bombing that killed 14 at a political rally in Quetta, the capital of Balochistan province. The attacks also claimed five paramilitary personnel’s lives near the Iran border in Balochistan and six soldiers in a prolonged militant assault on a paramilitary base in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. Authorities have launched investigations, and emergency services continue to treat the wounded amid heightened security concerns. The deadliest blast struck during a rally held by the Balochistan National Party (BNP) in remembrance of the late nationalist leader Sardar Ataullah Mengal.

Worst Floods Since 1988 Devastate India’s Punjab, 30 Dead

At least 30 people have died and more than 354,000 have been affected by severe flooding in Punjab, India. Authorities have declared all 23 districts flood-hit as rivers and reservoirs near danger levels.  Around 20,000 people have been evacuated and relief camps set up. Punjab, India’s “food basket,” has seen crops on 148,000 hectares submerged. With a quarter of the state’s 30 million people dependent on farming, officials warn of major livelihood losses.

Trump Says 11 Killed in US Strike on Drug-Carrying Vessel from Venezuela

President Donald Trump says the US has carried out a strike against a drug-carrying vessel in the southern Caribbean, killing 11 “Narcoterrorists”. He posted on social media that Tuesday’s US military operation had targeted members of the Venezuelan gang Tren de Aragua. Trump said the vessel was in international waters and was transporting illegal narcotics bound for the US. The Trump administration has ratcheted up military and political pressure against Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro in recent weeks, including through a $50m (£37m) reward for information leading to his arrest on drug-trafficking charges.